Jim Heaney and Steve Brown discuss the painfully slow progress being made in cleaning up polluted creeks and streams throughout Western New York on the second weekly installment of “Outrages & Insights” broadcast on WGRZ.

The problem is rooted in antiquated sewage systems that are often overwhelmed by an influx of water during rain storms and snowmelts, Heaney told Brown. Systems, unable to handle the water, dump untreated sewage and runoff into nearby creeks and streams.

The solution requires costly repairs to sewer lines and upgrades to treatment systems. Politicians at the local, state and federal levels have been unwilling to make the investment of public funds to pay for the necessary work, Heaney said.

Last week’s edition televised edition of Outrages & Insights, the the Buffalo Billion, can be found here. Heaney’s most recent written blog post, on diversity at the SolarCity construction site, is here.

Dan Telvock’s latest story on the stalled efforts to clean up the Scajaquada is here.

Support us and invest in a better Buffalo

Our award-winning journalism exposes problems and points towards solutions. Make a tax-deductible donation today and help us tell the stories that need to be told.